The election of 2020 stands as a fitting picture of the year 2020 itself. Three days removed from the election and we still do not know the winner. Cries of extensive voter fraud, the need to count every vote, gloating over seeming victory, anger over seeming defeat: all seem to be the main menu today. But how should Christians respond? To answer this, we return to the adage, “Your view of God dictates your view of life.” Each of the above responses seem to forget the person and character of God in our lives. It appears that above all things, we must remind ourselves of the sovereignty of God.
Psalm 103:19 informs us, “The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” The Puritan writer, Stephen Charnock comments, “God is sovereign Lord and King, and exerciseth a dominion over the whole world, both heaven and earth. This is so clear, that nothing is more spoken of in Scripture.”[i] When we speak of God’s sovereignty, we mean that “God has a purpose in all that he does in the world and he providentially governs or directs all things in order that they accomplish His purposes.”[ii]
As we consider the above verse from Psalms, we are reminded of two important fact. First, God’s throne is established in the heavens. While we wonder who will lead this country, we are under no misgivings about who leads the world. God was not on the ballot on Tuesday. Jesus does not term limit out. He established His throne. It is steadfast, secure, and unchanging. Because it is in the heavens, it is untouched by the changes in leadership or the whims of the people on earth. It cannot be overthrown. “You will find him called a ‘Great King,’ the ‘Most High’ (Psalm 92;1), the Supreme Monarch, there being no dignity in heaven or earth but what is dim before him, and infinitely inferior to him; yea, he hath the title of ‘Only King’ (1 Timothy 6:15).”[iii] Our God reigns. He cannot be removed. He cannot be shaken.
Second, God’s kingdom rules over all. Nothing stands beyond the sovereign rule of God. Daniel 4:35 informs us, “All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?’” No human can thwart God’s sovereign rule and the enacting of his sovereign plan. He always accomplishes what he desires. And what He desires is always best. Paul affirms this in Romans 11:36, in which he states that all things are of him, through him, and to him. He reminds us in Ephesians 1:11 that God works all things according to the counsel of His will. Because God rules over all things, this means that he also appoints and demotes rulers. Daniel 2:21 reminds us, “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” We may think that rulers were appointed by elections, ascension, royal birth, military coupe, or rampant voter fraud. However, these are simply the means God used to accomplish His sovereign will. God appoints and demotes rulers. Charnock comments, “He hath the eminency of power or authority above all: all earthly princes received their diadems from him, yea, even those that will not acknowledge him, and he hath a more absolute power over them than they can challenge over their [lowest] vassals.”[iv]
What does this mean for us today? First it means you can rest in your sovereign king. Whether “your” candidate wins or loses this election, God’s throne is established. His will is accomplished. He will use it for His glory and our good: Even when we can’t see it. Second, it means that believers can stay out of the mud. The coming weeks and month portend to be vicious, ridiculous, and frustrating. Facts will be hidden, twisted, and maligned. We will be tempted to take to social media, the break room, and perhaps even the streets to voice our displeasure. But we need not do these things. As Christians, we can respond differently. We can rest in tranquility while the legal process takes its course. We can be at peace no matter the outcome, because God rules over all. He has not lost his grip. He has not forgotten his people. “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32) So, instead we can point to the King of kings and Lord of lords. We can remember that the day is coming in which every knee will bow to Jesus and every tongue will worship Him (Philippians 2:10-11). On that day, we will be vindicated if we live for the Kingdom of God.
So really the question is, “What do you believe about God?” Is He the Sovereign Lord of all things? Is He still on His throne? Does He still rule over all? Or has He lost his grip? Has His throne fallen? What you truly believe about these questions will determine how you respond to election 2020. Believer, look to the heavens! Remember the King! Find peace under His rule!
[i] Stephen Charnock, The Existence and Attributes of God. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2000. p. 363.
[ii] Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994. p. 331.
[iii] Charnock, 363.
[iv] Ibid, 363.